FLSmidth and AuTec Innovative Extractive Solutions Ltd. (“AuTec”), a subsidiary of Barrick Gold Corporation (“Barrick”), have entered an agreement for the purchase of the hydrometallurgical and mineral processing capabilities of AuTec by FLSmidth. The agreement includes related equipment and key personnel. Offers of employment will be made to approximately ten AuTec employees by FLSmidth. FLSmidth’s Mineral Testing and Research Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, will continue AuTec’s legacy of innovative process, piloting, testing and characterisation of simple to the most complex ores, including refractory gold.

“Finding a good home for these segments of AuTec’s business with a trusted provider, capable of continuing to support the needs of our sites, was important for us. With FLSmidth, we’re confident we will have access to high-calibre expertise and the capabilities to meet various test work needs going forward,” says Greg Walker, Head of Operations and Technical Excellence, Barrick Gold Corporation.

“We are very excited to combine the talent and experience of AuTec with our Mineral Testing and Research Center and we look forward to serving as an ongoing trusted test center for Barrick and other key miners. From complex green field projects to optimising current plant operations, FLSmidth will continue to offer testing programs that result in practical, implemented solutions. This addition of capabilities will help us achieve our goal of being productivity provider number one for our mining customers globally,” says Wayne Douglas, Head of FLSmidth’s Mineral Testing and Research Center.

Closing is expected to occur near the end of the first quarter of 2019 and will be subject to customary closing conditions. The purchase will have no material impact on FLSmidth Group revenue.